by SewMagical Here is the second part of the needle case project. We will make an accessory holder to go along with the needle case already made. (See: Roll Along Little...Needles? for that project.) This accessory holder is done in a fold-over style. It has 2 see-through pockets with zippers on the inside, and a pocket for ID on the outside. It closes with […]
By SewMagical My friend Kat is an avid knitter, and enjoys designing and making socks. She uses double-pointed knitting needles to do this. The other day I was watching her sort through her needles to find the set she wanted for a new project. She keeps them in a rectangular tin with a latch, and I asked her why she didn't keep them in a case or a needl […]
by Marlene Stewart You can download/purchase this set by clicking here. Supplies: Clear water soluble stabilizer Nylon netting or similar fabric Cord Beads (Large enough hole for cord to go through) Clear vinyl found in fabric stores (used for covering upholstery, books,etc.) Instructions: Hoop 2 layers of nylon netting on top of clear stabilizer. Stitch de […]
by SewMagical This project will make use of the leftover pillowcase hem from the walker caddy project from a couple of weeks ago. Do you ever have to run out to the store, but don't want to carry a purse? Or maybe you use public transit and want to keep your fare handy, without having to search through a large handbag. Here is one answer to that problem […]
by our Designs By SiCK customers and friends The response was, once again, overwhelming! I have included all of the challenges and hope you enjoy reading each and every one...as I mentioned in the Newsletter - get a cup of your favorite beverage and sit back and relax. An update here - our tradition changed this year - because my other half decided to take […]
by SewMagical Walker Caddy If you have a friend or relative who uses a walker to get around, you can make them a gift which they can use every day. This project uses both the embroidery machine and the regular sewing machine. The size can be adjusted to fit the particular walker, and you can choose the size of pockets you add to meet the needs of the recipie […]
by Marlene Marlene has created another calendar for us! This time, her Hanukkah Calendar is center stage! These quick to stitch designs follow the same instructions as the Advent Calender posted here: Advent Calendar With 10 designs (plus the pocket design) you can create different calendars. You can download/purchase the set here. ... This is a copy. See […]
by Julie (all of this is with the understanding you are in the room and close to your machine so you can monitor its performance) You go online and browse through the array of sites offered by http://www.DesignsBySiCK.com You have: 1. Forums where you can confess your embroidery addiction or introduce yourself 2. Forum albums to see projects by other members […]
by Rob We have read Christmas memories - now we want to know about your traditions! (St. Lucia Day) Do you have one which you have continued from your childhood and continued with your own children? Did you discover a new one on your own and make that a part of your holiday celebration each year? Were you so excited to learn a new one from a friend or in a b […]
by Marlene Oh my! Get our your felt and get busy because everyone needs one of these cute little candy cane covers!!! There is something for everyone! You can use these as Candy Cane Toppers, Pencil or Straw Toppers, or Finger Puppets! These Candy Cane Covers use the same directions as the Halloween Pencil/Straw Toppers and you can see the instructions here […]
by Dawn In the quilt pictured, there's a long story there... I have been sewing for about 40 years now. My lovely grandmother taught me on her old treadle machine when I was little. I made doll clothes and little blankies or my stuffed animals when I was about 5. I never let her church clothing scraps go to waste!! I did not try quilting until later in […]
by SewMagical Every Sunday, you receive this Newsletter. It is a wonderful combination of instruction and inspiration. It draws your attention to a few of the many sets available at Designs by SiCK, and some of the ways they can be used. You may have even thought to yourself, “I could never contribute something like that!” Well, here is another how-to arti […]
by Rhonda This is a most unique set Rhonda has created! While it is only ONE ladybug (drawn by Rhonda) - she has created 11 different ways it can be stitched: 1 applique (3.24" x 2.43") - perfect for stitching on anything (shirts, towels, onesies) 1 small applique (1.91"x 1.49") - perfect for socks, doll clothes, baby items) 1 filled […]
by SewMagical While we are part of an on-line community of embroiderers and needle-crafters, we may not have anyone living near us who shares our passion for this wonderful art. I'm pretty sure we all have times when we wish we could tell someone about the wonderful design we just stitched out (purchased from Designs By SiCK, of course!). Or maybe we w […]
by Marlene Once again Marlene has created a quick-to-stitch, in-the-hoop project for you! These earrings are a little different than the other as they are NOT Free Standing Lace. Marlene uses a lightweight vinyl for stability in this project. Supplies Clear water soluble stabilizer Very thin vinyl found in fabric stores (used for cover chairs, book cover e […]
by SewMagical SewMagical has delivered this wonderful project as promised! I can see wonderful zippered sweatshirts wrapped as gifts in all shapes and sizes this holiday season! Take a moment and start thinking... children, adults, men, women, friends... How about one for your dear friend who loves to garden and they are always outside in late fall and earl […]
by SewMagical OK, folks. I know it's only the middle of October, and Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Yule are still roughly 9 weeks away. I also know that some folks are already making (or have already made!) their holiday gifts. But I also know that some folks are sitting there, scratching their heads, thinking “Gee, I have a holiday invitation. I want to […]
by SewMagical Halloween is approaching, and stars and magic wands are all over the stores. If you look up the word "magic" in a dictionary, you will find several meanings, as both noun and adjective. Magic: (noun): an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source; something that seems to cast a spell; any extraordinary or my […]
by SewMagical One accessory I have seen a lot of lately are small purses that hang from the wrist. They are perfect for holding a few items when you need to run a quick errand like keys, your ID, and a little bid of cash or a credit card. An Internet search will turn up many ways to make these useful little bags. Here is my method. This pouch has a zipper cl […]
by Marlene Marlene has created a sugar-free treat which will satisfy all of the little ghosts and gremlins, princes and princesses this Halloween! These all fit the 4x4 Hoop Supplies Felt Tear-away or permanent stabilizer Instructions Hoop fabric and tear-away or permanent stabilizer along with a piece of felt in a 4x4 hoop. Stitch the entire design up to th […]
By SewMagical I am usually careful, when I work on my projects, about where I place my straight pins. Either I place them away from my line of stitching, or I remove them as I come to them, before the presser foot and needle go over them. Stitching over a pin can cause damage to your machine. It can break your needle, and the broken pieces may fly off and […]
by Lorie I use the "foamies" found at your local discount stores. I use the star shape and pull one side down so it will temporarily stick on my machine. I write the size of needle I am using for that particular machine. When I change to a different needle, then it is easy to run the needle into the foamie and file away if it is still a good, us […]
by Estelle Don't know if this is helpful or not but it sure worked for me! I live in Georgia where the humidity can get UNREAL. Using WSS (water soluble stabilizer) is very challenging at times; ESPECIALLY when making Lace! I was NOT having any fun until I got the idea to use plastic mesh screening (bridal tulle). I hooped the heavy WSS on the bottom, […]
by Margaret My tip is to iron very light interfacing on the back of the pattern pieces this not only keeps them from disintegrating but it also stops pins from ruining them. I have just used a doll pattern that I first used for my daughter thirty five years ago.... This is a copy. See the original article here
by Ellen I just unpacked a 100 yard roll of stabilizer and in a "flash of brilliance" came up with this idea to keep everything all together. The stabilizer came in a plastic bag. I cut a slit in the side of the bag long enough to accommodate the width of the stabilizer and fed the end through the slit and TAADAA! Neat and clean and contained. ... […]
by Diane I keep a dry erase board near my embroidery/quilting/sewing machines so I can write down the needle type in each machine as I work. My brain is getting too old to remember from one day to the next......... This is a copy. See the original article here
by Mary Here's my latest thought... I just knew there had to be another use for the tray the carry-out sushi came in. My bobbins fit perfectly, and the snap-on lid keeps them in place. One less item for the landfill. ... This is a copy. See the original article here
by Lucinda Re-purposing this give-away blanket was easy. I just embroidered over the existing embroidering and Viola! A lap blanket donation. Lucinda used design #4 from the Tropical Fish set. You can see the Tropical Fish set here. This set was created by Corky - you can see all of his sets by clicking here.... This is a copy. See the original article here […]
by Pamela, I have a tip for you. Any time that you make a design where you will be using WSS (water soluble stabilizer) then why not add a tiny charm design to your hoop? That way you waste less and you can always use a charm to add alongside a ribbon when you give a gift! It makes a very pretty addition to your gift package and it never hurts to have an ext […]
by Merna When I make FSL (free standing lace), I like it to 'SPARKLE'. I do not ever throw away a scrap of the stabilizer. When I get ready to melt away the stabilizer, I use a glass bowl, put extra stabilizer scraps in the water, then I add some Ultra Fine Glitter. You can get it at any craft store. It adds sparkle to all your FSL. You can also […]
by Ann I know that many of you do quilts and some of us are relatively new to this hobby as I most certainly am. I have decided to have a go at an attic window cushion that the single bed quilts can be folded into during the day time for our little motor home. To get the sections joined together you have to stop 1/4 inch from the end of the one block and […]
by Judy Have what you think is embroidery disaster? I DID!!! I purchased some new legging outfits for my new and beautiful granddaughter. Somehow my machine started eating the fabric and it skewed everything out of place. I thought it was ruined. I painstakingly cut all the stitches loose, pulled them out and pouted. I tried doing it again, but it just did […]
by Lynn I use 6 compartment wine bags, to carry stabilizers, to embroidery classes. I roll my fabric, batting, topping stabilizers & embroidery stabilizers. They fit in nice and snug. I can even fit a ruler & rotary cutter. Hang it over your shoulder and go. I can place the bag on a table or floor. No more roll-away stabilizers even in the car! You […]
by Kim I have found a real rationalization for leaving my ironing board up all of the time in my sewing and embroidery studio! The little darling baby bloomers are always so popular for embroidering on the “bum” of the bloomers. Well, not only are they tiny, they are also gathered! Very tough to put the stabilizer on and the template, too, for those who use […]
by Lynn You can make glue to stiffen up FSL items that become limp. Add water soluble stabilizer to jar & add small amounts of water till the mixture is thin enough to paint or dip the FSL item. Just drip- dry or iron item with press cloth and Teflon sheet to dry the item. Store unused mixture in sealed jar.... This is a copy. See the original article he […]
by Sharon [Note from Rob - All Sharon did was send in her tip. I created the title just to ward off any battles over who gets to take her hubby home with them.... ] I read the article about thread storage “What Are You Doing With Your?” by Kathy and thought about my own thread storage. I have some thread racks on the wall behind the closet door. I have t […]
by Susan While waiting for my 61 new Brother threads to arrive, I kept wondering where I was going to store them. Then it came to me. I have a silverware chest packed away that I am not using. With a little remodeling it became the perfect lined box to put all my beautiful new threads in. My old silver chest became my new treasure chest. ... This is a co […]
By Sandy When I finished an embroidery project and removed the tear away stabilizer I trim off the uneven edges from the removed tear away and cut it into smaller pieces. On the next embroidery project I use a full hoop size piece of stabilizer on the bottom or machine side and these little pieces for the second layer of tear away between the fabric to be em […]
by SewMagical Here is a tip I used for a long time when doing hand needlework. When you are finished with your work, use a piece of lightweight fusible interfacing on the back. This serves two purposes: 1) it helps secure all your stitches in place so they don't pull out, and 2) it provides a smooth surface against the skin. Just make sure your fabric a […]
by Diane I would like to share a new (new to me anyway) tip. I recently bought a pattern and the creator recommended tracing the pattern pieces onto interfacing for longer life, and to keep the original pattern whole. I thought “what about that basket of stabilizer pieces that I have”? Perfect! This pattern was small so I was able to trace all the patter […]
by SewMagical Here is the second part of the needle case project. We will make an accessory holder to go along with the needle case already made. (See: Roll Along Little...Needles? for that project.) This accessory holder is done in a fold-over style. It has 2 see-through pockets with zippers on the inside, and a pocket for ID on the outside. It closes with […]
By SewMagical My friend Kat is an avid knitter, and enjoys designing and making socks. She uses double-pointed knitting needles to do this. The other day I was watching her sort through her needles to find the set she wanted for a new project. She keeps them in a rectangular tin with a latch, and I asked her why she didn't keep them in a case or a needl […]
by Marlene Stewart You can download/purchase this set by clicking here. Supplies: Clear water soluble stabilizer Nylon netting or similar fabric Cord Beads (Large enough hole for cord to go through) Clear vinyl found in fabric stores (used for covering upholstery, books,etc.) Instructions: Hoop 2 layers of nylon netting on top of clear stabilizer. Stitch de […]
by SewMagical This project will make use of the leftover pillowcase hem from the walker caddy project from a couple of weeks ago. Do you ever have to run out to the store, but don't want to carry a purse? Or maybe you use public transit and want to keep your fare handy, without having to search through a large handbag. Here is one answer to that problem […]
by Rhonda These can be done as applique alone or as Badges. You can see the set and purchase/download it by clicking here. You can see all sets digitized by Rhonda by clicking here. Materials: applique material heavy material (for badges) tear-away stabilizer threads to match material washable glue stick or your choice of adhesive If making Badges, the bobbi […]
by SewMagical Walker Caddy If you have a friend or relative who uses a walker to get around, you can make them a gift which they can use every day. This project uses both the embroidery machine and the regular sewing machine. The size can be adjusted to fit the particular walker, and you can choose the size of pockets you add to meet the needs of the recipie […]
by Rhonda With all of the interest in stitching on cards and the questions surrounding this technique: How is it done? What kind of designs should I use? I want to make cards for all occasions, what should I use? Rhonda has created a set of designs JUST for stitching on card stock - so you can create your own cards and embellish them the way you want! This s […]
by Marlene Marlene has created another calendar for us! This time, her Hanukkah Calendar is center stage! These quick to stitch designs follow the same instructions as the Advent Calender posted here: Advent Calendar With 10 designs (plus the pocket design) you can create different calendars. You can download/purchase the set here. ... This is a copy. See […]
by Marlene Oh my! Get our your felt and get busy because everyone needs one of these cute little candy cane covers!!! There is something for everyone! You can use these as Candy Cane Toppers, Pencil or Straw Toppers, or Finger Puppets! These Candy Cane Covers use the same directions as the Halloween Pencil/Straw Toppers and you can see the instructions here […]
by Rhonda This is a most unique set Rhonda has created! While it is only ONE ladybug (drawn by Rhonda) - she has created 11 different ways it can be stitched: 1 applique (3.24" x 2.43") - perfect for stitching on anything (shirts, towels, onesies) 1 small applique (1.91"x 1.49") - perfect for socks, doll clothes, baby items) 1 filled […]
by Rhonda STOP! Don't buy those sticky tags for your Christmas gifts!! Rhonda has created a wonderful way for you to personalize each gift this holiday season! I can see piles of gifts sporting these beautiful new Christmas Tags this year! At the bottom of this article, Rhonda gives more ideas on how to use these wonderful tags! Instructions Every de […]
by Marlene Once again Marlene has created a quick-to-stitch, in-the-hoop project for you! These earrings are a little different than the other as they are NOT Free Standing Lace. Marlene uses a lightweight vinyl for stability in this project. Supplies Clear water soluble stabilizer Very thin vinyl found in fabric stores (used for cover chairs, book cover e […]
by SewMagical SewMagical has delivered this wonderful project as promised! I can see wonderful zippered sweatshirts wrapped as gifts in all shapes and sizes this holiday season! Take a moment and start thinking... children, adults, men, women, friends... How about one for your dear friend who loves to garden and they are always outside in late fall and earl […]
by Bonnie You can see/purchase the set by clicking here. SUPPLIES: Flannel or Cotton(cut to 8x10 for the 150x240mm(6x9) hoop & 10x12 for the 200x260mm(10x12) Thread of your choice Tear Away Stabilizer or starched muslin Air Soluble Marker When I used tear away I removed the stabilizer from the bib then I marked and trimmed it as in directions below. Whe […]
by Rhonda You wanted Halloween scrubbies and Rhonda took the challenge! You can see the set below and also online here. You can see all sets by Rhonda by clicking here. The same instructions are used for this set and you can read them here. They are also included in each set. ... This is a copy. See the original article here
by SewMagical One accessory I have seen a lot of lately are small purses that hang from the wrist. They are perfect for holding a few items when you need to run a quick errand like keys, your ID, and a little bid of cash or a credit card. An Internet search will turn up many ways to make these useful little bags. Here is my method. This pouch has a zipper cl […]
by Marlene Marlene has created a sugar-free treat which will satisfy all of the little ghosts and gremlins, princes and princesses this Halloween! These all fit the 4x4 Hoop Supplies Felt Tear-away or permanent stabilizer Instructions Hoop fabric and tear-away or permanent stabilizer along with a piece of felt in a 4x4 hoop. Stitch the entire design up to th […]
by SewMagical Several years ago, a friend came to me with a request. She needed to carry a rescue inhaler to treat her asthma, and needed a way to carry it that would keep it handy, yet not be obvious. Did I have any ideas for her? After thinking about it for a while, I came up with a pouch she could wear around her neck. It had a red flap, to make it easier […]
by Rhonda You can see the entire set of Halloween Blocks and Coasters by clicking here. You can see all sets created By Rhonda by clicking here. How to make an ITH Coaster General instructions: all of the designs for this set will follow the same instructions. Supplies: 4 pieces 1 1/2" x 4 1/2" strip of material 5" square for top fabric 5 […]
by Marlene Just look what Marlene has created for you - JUST in time for Halloween! AND - all designs fit the 4x4 hoop! You can see the set by clicking here: Haunted House Puzzle You can see all sets by Marlene by clicking here: Marlene's Sets SUPPLIES Felt or similar fabric (I used black) Tearaway stabilizer Poster Board Glue Hoop felt with a good te […]
I love my SE350 except lately the thread has been slipping out of the notch right above the needle, which results in raveling & eventual breaking of...